SCC: Synergy Racing promotes Hole in the Wall camps

Synergy Racing, Michael Avenatti Porsche to promote Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Camps during 2007 KONI Challenge Series

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 24, 2007) -- Synergy Racing and driver Michael Avenatti, of Los Angeles, Calif., unveiled the racing livery of the No. 71 Porsche 997 featuring Camp Boggy Creek and other Hole in the Wall Camps at Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday. In place of a traditional sponsor, Avenatti chose to campaign the No. 71 Porsche in the 2007 Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series with a paint scheme to promote awareness of the no-charge camps for seriously ill children founded by Academy Award Winner Paul Newman.

"As a father of two young daughters, I was touched by the tremendous service Camp Boggy Creek and all Hole in the Wall Camps provide to children facing life-threatening illnesses," Avenatti said. "I can't imagine the struggle and heartache these children and their parents must go through on a daily basis. I'm thankful these camps allow them a place to get away for a brief time -- a place where kids can just act like kids, and the parents can find support from those faced with similar circumstances."

Hole in the Wall Camps are the world's largest family of camps for children with serious illnesses and life-threatening conditions. To date, nearly 100,000 children from 40 states and 31 countries have attended free of charge. Hole in the Wall Camps are a not-for-profit organization totally supported by charitable contributions. The camps are the dream of Newman, who started the first camp in 1988 and has been the driving force ever since.

During select races this season, Synergy Racing will highlight a specific Hole in the Wall Camp on the hood of the No. 71 Porsche, while the side panels display all five domestic Hole the Wall Camps--Camp Boggy Creek in Eustis, Fla.; Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne, N.Y.; The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in New Haven, Conn.; The Painted Turtle in Santa Monica, Calif.; and The Victory Junction Gang in Randleman, N.C.

For Friday's KONI Challenge Series race at Daytona, the No. 71 Porsche's hood features Camp Boggy Creek, located only 45 minutes from the Speedway. Prior to the car's unveiling on Wednesday, Avenatti visited Camp Boggy Creek to get a first-hand look at the facilities designed to cater to campers' medical needs and allow all campers, including those with physical limitations, the opportunity to enjoy traditional camp activities.

"Michael is amazingly generous for using his race car to promote Camp Boggy Creek and other Hole in the Wall Camps this season in KONI Challenge," said Sarah Gurtis, Camp Boggy Creek Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Development. "I find it especially appropriate that Michael's first outing in the No. 71 Porsche falls on the 82nd birthday of our founder, Paul Newman. Our camps and racing are two of Paul's favorite things so I can't think of a better birthday gift.

This season will be Avenatti's first in the KONI Challenge Series. He is a trial lawyer with Greene Broillet & Wheeler in Los Angeles, Calif., who was recently named as one of the top-20 lawyers under 40 in the state. Avenatti, 35, began racing in 1992 and joined Synergy Racing, the most decorated team in Grand-Am history, this year.

"Synergy Racing has been a supporter of Camp Boggy Creek for several years," said Cole Scrogham, team co-owner. "I've always been proud of our drivers that took time to visit the camp, participate in fundraising events and make donations themselves. And I was thrilled when Michael told us he wanted to promote Camp Boggy Creek and all the Hole in the Wall Camps on the No. 71 Porsche this season in KONI Challenge."

-credit: synergy racing